UPDATE ON THE INDEPENDENT RECONCILIATION AND COMPENSATION PROGRAM

The Archdiocese of New York today released an update on the
Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP), its outreach program to victim-survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy of the archdiocese. The IRCP was announced in October 2016, and ran for nearly 13 months, concluding on November 1 of this year, and more than 200 individuals applied to participate in the program. The program was administered by noted mediator Mr. Ken Feinberg and his associate, Ms. Camille Biros, who were given total independence to evaluate claims and determine compensation. The Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre have subsequently begun their own IRCP program.

As of November 30, 2017, 189 victim-survivors had resolved their claims through the archdiocese’s IRCP, with compensation totaling $40,050,000. There are additional claims which were made prior to the November 1 application deadline that are still being processed by the program administrators.

The report also provides a summary of the Church’s efforts to combat the scourge of sexual abuse of minors, which have resulted in the Church being a leader in the prevention of abuse, and in the care for victim –survivors. At a time when nearly every institution that involves minors has had to face allegations of abuse, the Church is now a model in how to respond to this horror.

By any measure, the reconciliation program has been a success. Many of the victim-survivors have expressed their gratitude that the Church extended an invitation, listened, and responded with compassion and understanding. All left knowing that the Archdiocese of New York was willing to make a genuine act of reparation for the harm that was done to them.

The IRCP update can be found on the archdiocesan website in both
English and
Spanish.